Science and Testing

Coppertone is committed to providing consumers with innovative, quality and safe sun care products based on science, rigorous testing and high standards.

1. Testing, quality and safety methods that go above and beyond what's required
2. Improving transparency, so consumers can feel confident about the sunscreen they purchase
3. Innovation that continues to meet consumers’ changing expectations

At Coppertone, we’re meeting the changing expectations of consumers. For the first time in the sun care industry, we underwent an independent assurance assessment to validate our sunscreen testing methods and are sharing the results, so you can buy with confidence.

Learn more through these materials:

FACT: Not only is this false, it is dangerous. When used regularly with other sun protection measures, a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher can reduce the risk of skin cancer. Sun Protection measures include the following: 1) Limit time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 2) Wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses

FACT: As indicated on all Coppertone product labels, Coppertone should be reapplied at least every 2 hours, after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating and immediately after towel drying. Most people only apply 25-50% of the recommended amount.

http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/29/3/249.full

FACT: Incidental sun exposure is the kind of sun exposure that you may not be aware. It builds up over the years from brief everyday activities, such as dog walking and commuting. This accumulation over time can seriously damage your skin. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer during a lifetime. In addition, an estimated 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun.

2 http://www.skincancer.org/media-and-press/Press-Release-2011/autumn-has-arrived-but-the-sun-isnt-going-anywhere

3 Robinson, JK. Sun exposure, sun protection, and vitamin D. JAMA 2005; 294:1541-43

4 Taylor CR, Stern RS, Leyden JJ, Gilchrest BA. Photoaging/photodamage and photoprotection. J Am Acad Dermatol 1990; 22:1-15.

FACT: Sun damage occurs even when skin doesn’t turn red, and all skin types carry risk of skin cancer.

FACT: Whether spending a day at the beach, running a race, or gardening in the backyard, our number one priority is to make sure you can enjoy your time outdoors with high quality sunscreen, like Coppertone. We’re fiercely committed to providing a range of effective sunscreen options and listen to what our consumers, like you, want from them. Whether that’s a sunscreen that stays on strong through heat or sweat or one that’s developed with your baby’s delicate skin in mind or one to help protect your kids racing to get outside.

What you want matters. That’s why our scientists have been actively working to develop new formulations of Coppertone (SPF 50 and less) that don’t include oxybenzone and octinoxate. Our goal is to have this completed by the summer of 2020. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are not scientifically proven to have an effect on the environment, but some of our consumers are asking for their removal and we are listening. It’s important that we can continue to offer a variety of options for you to choose from because regular use of sunscreen is scientifically proven to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

As for our sunscreens with an SPF higher than 50, well, that’s a little more complicated. Oxybenzone is a commonly used FDA-approved filter (that protects the skin from UV rays) to help to achieve high SPF. Manufacturers are working to promote the approval of new filters here in the United States (many of which are already available in Europe), and will continue to work with the FDA and others to make that happen.

To learn more about why sunscreen is essential for every day, click here.